Dietary Supplements for Bladder Strength

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AMY PELLEGRINI Last Updated: Aug 14, 2017

Amy Pellegrini

Amy Pellegrini began writing professionally in 2005 and has since published various articles, press releases, blogs, poems and features on a number of topics. Pellegrini holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

A weak bladder can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for those who suffer from it. When prescription drugs are not an option due to budgetary constraints or allergy restrictions, natural herbs serve as soothing substitutes. There are various vitamins, supplements and natural herbs available that can strengthen the bladder to control discomfort and leakage when disease, infection or biological influences cause incontinence or a weak bladder.

Causes

A weak bladder results from a number of causes, including stress, weak pelvic muscles, muscle or nerve spasms, inflammation, chronic low-level bladder infections, an enlarged prostate, a fibroid tumor, uncontrolled diabetes or a stroke. In some cases, people with Alzheimer's, dementia, multiple sclerosis or paralysis experience weak bladder problems because their muscles have begun to deteriorate.

Vitamins

According to Herbs2000.com, several specific vitamins help strengthen a weak bladder, including vitamin C, which increases the acidity of urine to keep out infection and boosts the immune system to fight infection. Additionally, calcium ascorbate works to boost the immune system to ward off infection and does not have the acidity that vitamin C may have. Vitamins A and E also help strengthen the bladder, as vitamin E improves oxygen supply to the cells to prevent scarring that occurs with the irritation of interstitial bladder inflammation. Vitamin A and beta-carotene help maintain the mucus membranes that line the bladder walls.

Additional Supplements

In addition to the typical daily vitamin supplements needed for a healthy diet to support bladder health, nontraditional supplements such as garlic capsules also help to strengthen the bladder. Garlic acts as a natural antibacterial agent to keep the system clean and prevent infection, as well as a ginger compress, as described on the Interstitial Cystitis Network, which can improve bladder health when applied directly on the pelvic area. Acidophilus cultures also help prevent bladder infections and may be added to the diet whenever antibiotics are taken. For long-term use, green-food supplements and drinks, including chlorella, spirulina and blue-green algae support cell renewal to strengthen the bladder walls, according to Herbs2000.com.

Herbs

Various natural herbs help clear bladder infections and heal the urinary tract when consumed in a tea form. The herb horsetail increases the excretion of urine and strengthens the elastic tissue of bladder walls, according to Health-Care-Tips.org. To relieve bladder infections, use a blend of chamomile flowers and bearberry leaves. Other herbs that strengthen the bladder and clear infection include lemon balm, birch leaves, stinging nettle leaves and roots, dandelion leaves and roots, parsley, yarrow and rose hips, according to Herbs2000.com.